Did you know that there are many people within our local communities that have contributed to the advancement of our race? Many times when celebrating Black History we may unknowingly look over those that served within our own towns and cities.Check out some facts about Longview's first and only hospital for blacks and one of the first black doctors to work in the city.

Camp Normal Industrial Hospital was Gregg County's designated medical facility for African Americans before the Civil Rights Act. Blacks were not allowed to be seen in hospitals with whites. The hospital was established in the late 1930s and the building still remains in it's original location at 506 West Methvin Street.The doctor that was chosen to serve the black community was Dr. William Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell was a native of Dangerfield. He completed his undergraduate studies at Prairie View A&M and received an MD and PhD at University of Galveston where he finished fourth in his class.

Be inspired to continue to delve into the history of your own. You never know what jewels you will discover!

Great research on your article of Dr. Wm Mitchell... this information is almost a secret in Longview,Tx. Thank you for a positive view of Longview's FIRST BLACK MEDICAL DOCTOR serving only the Black community. It is even better that you were able to show evidence with a picture of the location and its BOARD MEMBERS in the early 30's. Thanks Choya M. for a job well done.

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Gayle Hill

2/29/2016 03:32:45 pm

How inspiring those words are. They make us want to push and strive more to give back! Thank you View woman for your inspiration for women and people of color. Keep on doing what you are doing!

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Tamika Thomas

7/5/2018 03:09:39 pm

Yes, I was in Longview on 4th of July 2018. I stop by this place and its now up for sale. I took pictures and read the names of Board of Directors and my great grandfather name Wiley Thomas w one of the Board of Directors... Interesting. It would be good if someone or if I could find a picture (s) of the board of directors.